If you’re finding yourself more interested in sleep than regular sex, maybe it’s time for a little libido boost?
If you can barely even be bothered to read this article, that’s not a great sign…perhaps you feel like your libido has been surgically removed, never to return again. But don’t give up.
We all deserve a fulfilling and enjoyable sex life, regardless of your age or circumstances. Low libido (or sex drive) can be a sure sign of stress, anxiety, exhaustion or simply having too many demands on you.
Besides addressing those things head-on – and perhaps booking some alone time away with your partner – you could also look at bolstering your diet with some libido-boosting foods to reinvigorate your relationship.
First: Look at Alcohol and Junk Foods
Most people are aware that a healthy lifestyle is the key to a good sex life. However, small, simple changes can also affect libido. For example, cutting out fast food can have a drastic effect on sexual health. According to Medical Daily, “Indulging in greasy foods like burgers and fries is a no-no when it comes to healthy eating and sex. The trans-fat found in fried foods is known to dramatically decrease the male libido.
The adverse effects of consuming these trans-fatty acids [also] include an increase in the amount of abnormal sperm production for men,” says physician Dr. Douglas Heise. It comes as a surprise to many that alcohol can actually lower libido (many use alcohol to get in the mood) and it can also make vasopressin plummet, meaning it might be difficult to achieve an erection.
Alcohol also reduces oxytocin, so our sense of touch becomes less sensitive. It really doesn’t add much, besides lowered inhibitions. Sticking to just one or two drinks is best, or none at all.
14 Foods That Can Boost Libido
| What | Why |
|---|---|
| Coffee | Contains a stimulant that has been shown (in animal studies) to increase libido. |
| Asparagus | Asparagus promotes testosterone production in men, and oestrogen in women, because it’s rich in vitamin E. |
| Spinach | Spinach is rich in magnesium, a mineral that decreases inflammation in blood vessels and increases blood flow to the genitals, which heightens arousal. |
| Celery | It contains androsterone and androsterol, two pheromones that are involved in triggering your sex drive. |
| Berries | Rich in zinc, a nutrient which boosts sex hormone production. |
| Oily fish | Omega-3 fatty acids could encourage the production of sex hormones and raise dopamine levels (making you more likely to be in the mood). |
| Broccoli | Vitamin C aids in blood circulation to organs and has also been associated with an improved female libido. |
| Cloves | Research published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine discovered that clove extracts produced an increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats. |
| Figs | Enhance the secretion of pheromones – hormones that attract sexual attention. |
| Oysters | Oysters are brimming with zinc, a mineral that elevates testosterone. |
| Nuts | Nuts and seeds are full of zinc (similar to above). People with higher levels of zinc in their system have been shown to have a higher sex drive. Also Pistachios, peanuts, and walnuts all contain the amino acid L-arginine, which is one of the building blocks of nitric oxide—a naturally-occurring gas that helps men maintain their erections. |
| Avocados | These superfruits are rich in vitamin E, potassium, and vitamin B6, which promote better blood flow, to all the right areas. |
| Chilli peppers | These peppers release endorphins that can help make you feel tingly and euphoric. |
| Chocolate | Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, the same compound that is released during sex. This compound produces some mood-lifting and aphrodisiac effects. |
So it’s salmon with asparagus for dinner tonight then everyone!
